For years, SEPTA has been warning of dire cuts that would trigger “a death spiral” because of its perennial budget deficits. The agency says 2025 may be the year it may not find an eleventh hour budget fix.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), serving five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area, will need to cut service 45 percent, according to a recently released budget proposal designed to address a forecasted $213 million budget deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1.

SEPTA would shutter the Cynwyd, Chestnut Hill West, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton and Wilmington/Newark lines. Service across its five-county area would be cut by 45%, driving away customers and impacting fare revenues, Sauer said.